Create a LIVING PAINTING ---Bring the Outdoors In!
By Mary Cusack, ASID
Connecting with nature is definitely one of the nicest and also one of the easiest ways to transform a space. Just think -- an environment of total relaxation and peace.
Because of the extreme weather conditions in our area, we become insulated from nature. Not only are our windows and doors closed, we cover our windows to keep the heat or cold out. Anyway no one wants to be in the sweltering heat and high humidity or face a cold Northerner? But there are so many ways to connect with the green.
Of course the easiest is to bring plants indoors. Fiscus trees are perfect –except that they have to be in a happy place or they will shed all their leaves. Remember plants want light, water and nutrition --but hate wet feet. Placing plants in front of a window (not a West window) can help. It also looks natural. A live plant in a dark corner is NOT the place. The poor thing is surely to become unhappy and wither away. A large cluster of plants using different textures can be very dramatic and beautiful. When purchasing, check out the plants needs.
A healthy, bushy ivy (nothing long and stringy) in a small ceramic container on the end table next to a table lamp usually works even for brown thumbed people. Remember the lamp must be turned on regularly. Also make sure the container is sitting on a nonporous dish.
I know what some of you are thinking; “Plants die especially when I touch them”. It may be better to leave them outside.
Consider planting an ornamental tree/bush such as a Crepe Myrtle outside a bedroom window or plant a Confederate Jasmine next to that nondescript fence to create a beautiful view. I call these views “living paintings”. Not only is the outdoors brought in, but the inside now expands to the outside enhancing the feeling of airiness and openness. Talk about beauty! Plants change with the seasons and also with the time of day. Sunlight glitters on the leaves, and late afternoon shadows are cast on the living room wall creating movement and life. Crystal drops are created when it rains – making a new and ever changing scene.
Patios, courtyards and large expanses of glass are all perfect for connecting with nature. First look out and notice what you are REALLY seeing. Is it the garden hose with a few empty flowers pots, or is the view bare with a dusty table and rusty chairs? Are the windows pretty disgusting? Not only does this affect what we are looking at, but the room/space that is connected is negatively affected.
My living room looks out onto a patio. Somehow the way the South wind blows, the patio floor is constantly getting covered with dirt and leaves making my living room look messy and dirty. This means that regular house cleaning extends to the patio. Even so, I still love the way the living room feels with its connection to the outdoors. Sometimes the birds visit with their chirping sounds. What a delight – now my “living painting” is vocal.